Story
Combel-la-Serre
Cahors · South-West · France
Julien Ilbert is a dynamic vigneron bringing innovative ideas to the Cahors wine region. His family's vineyards have a long history, but for generations, their grapes were sold to the local cooperative. In 1998, Julien decided to break away and establish his own estate in partnership with Mathieu Cosse. In 2005, after an amicable parting, Julien focused on creating his own wines, giving birth to Château Combel-la-Serre.
“The estate now spans 25 hectares spread across various terroirs within a 5-kilometre radius of the cellar.”
Château Combel-la-Serre has been certified organic since the 2015 vintage, but Julien's commitment to chemical-free farming began much earlier. The death of his grandfather from Parkinson's disease had a profound impact on the family's farming practices. Believing that his grandfather's illness was caused by prolonged exposure to agricultural chemicals, the Ilberts abandoned these substances in their vineyards. Julien's wines defy traditional norms, opting for more playful labels and Burgundian bottles, making a bold statement in the traditionally conservative Cahors winemaking community.
